Dihydroxyacetone

Dihydroxyacetone (CAS 96-26-4), commonly abbreviated as DHA and also marketed as Viticolor and Soleal, is a simple ketose sugar used commercially as a skin-browning active and a cross-linking agent. Its reactivity with amino acids drives color development and surface modification across multiple industries. In personal care, DHA is the primary active ingredient in self-tanning formulations.

It reacts with skin proteins to produce a temporary brown coloration without UV exposure, a mechanism also applied in targeted repigmentation products for vitiligo. Leather and textile processors use it as a cross-linking agent. This improves surface durability and fixation of dyes and finishes. In food manufacturing, it functions as a flavoring and browning agent, contributing to color and taste development in certain processed products.

Paper treatment applications leverage its cross-linking properties to modify surface characteristics and improve functional performance. DHA is supplied as a white crystalline powder, with dimeric and monomeric forms available. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly traded, with high-purity grades typically exceeding 98% assay. These meet various industrial requirements for stability and performance.

Bulk quantities are available for industrial buyers, with smaller packaged quantities offered for formulators and laboratory use. Our material adheres to strict quality standards to ensure consistent results.